Cyber security action month 2026: Take a second. Stay secure.

This October, everyone in Australia is being encouraged to stop and think before they click, respond or share as part of cyber security action month 2026.

Cyber threats are often designed to take advantage of speed, distraction and everyday habits. A message that looks legitimate, a familiar login prompt or an unexpected request may be quick to act on but taking a second to stop and check can make a difference.

This October, the theme is “Take a second. Stay secure”. This is a simple message: small choices made every day, at work, at home and in our communities, can help Australians build stronger cyber-safe habits. Simple actions such as enabling multi-factor authentication, using long and unique passwords, installing updates and regularly backing up important information can help reduce cyber risks.

IDCARE is supporting cyber security action month 2026, by sharing practical advice, educational content and resources across its channels to help individuals and businesses recognise common threats and take simple steps to strengthen their online security.

A second can make a difference

Cybercriminals often rely on people acting quickly.

IDCARE is encouraging Australians to use cyber security action month as an opportunity to identify the areas where they can strengthen their own cyber security, including:

• Applying updates to devices, operating systems and apps to help protect against known security risks.
• Set long, unique passwords to help keep their accounts secure.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication for online services wherever available.
• Perform regular backups to help protect important information if something goes wrong.
• Know the threats and learn how common scams and cyber threats work.
• Check privacy settings to understand and control who can access personal information.
• Learn to recognise and report scams to help protect yourself and others.
• Think before sharing on social media, particularly when posts contain personal or sensitive information.

Cyber security is everyone's responsibility

Through its work supporting people and organisations experiencing scams, identity compromise and cyber incidents, IDCARE sees the real-world impact that cybercrime can have on people; financially, operationally and personally.

As part of Cyber Security Action Month, IDCARE will be sharing weekly cyber security tips, videos and information across its social media and digital channels. IDCARE will also participate in events and other community and industry activities throughout October, helping Australians understand common cyber risks and the simple steps they can take to reduce them.

For those already affected by a cyber incident, scam or identity compromise, IDCARE provides support to help people understand what has happened and what steps they can take next.

For more information and practical cyber security resources, visit idcare.org.